Duration

Accommodation

Food

Difficulty Levels

Sociable group walking in the spectacular summer scenery of the Chilterns. Think rolling wooded hills, far-reaching views out over the fields below, and strolls along the Thames Valley.

This weekend’s trip is ideal for those looking to escape London for a sneaky summer jaunt where relaxing and socalising are just as important as the great walking. The guided walks we do are easy, so although we go out for the day there are plenty of opportunities for photo stops, snack breaks, and maybe the odd pub or two!

In a nutshell:

Discover hidden corners and quiet spots in the Chiltern hills and along the Thames Valley.

Relax and let us do the route planning, map reading and hospitality.

Enjoy the whole social side of being in the company of a friendly bunch of like-minded people.

Summer in the Chilterns Dates:

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Itinerary

Friday

For this weekend we have exclusive use of the quirky lodge that is now a comfortable YHA in the Quaker village of Jordans near Beaconsfield.

Nestled amid woodland and surrounded by an extensive lawn, the lodge is a superbly quiet spot that makes it easy to leave behind the stresses of the week as soon as you arrive.

We are on-hand to greet you and introduce you to your fellow walking companions and we are also running a free shuttle service from the nearest train station at Amersham (see note below).

As the group mingles we then busy ourselves in the kitchen to get dinner ready. This is served at 8pm.

Normally on these weekends we find that the nattering goes on late into the evening either at the dining table or, if the weather is very kind (which it will be), with the group heading outside with sundowners in-hand to watch the sunset.

Saturday

After breakfast we’ll head out for the day to explore the stunning scenery right on our doorstep.

Across rolling hills, along tree-lined paths and up into the beech woods of the chalk escarpment that epitomizes the Chilterns, we follow trails until we reach a great tea room that serves as a useful spot to break up the journey.

It just so happens that the tea room serves lovely slices of cake too (you can see that food features highly in our weekends).

Afterwards we press on to the pretty village of Coleshill passing the duck pond and windmill before turning for home along a series of quiet paths and lanes.

Once back, there’s ample time to have a mooch around the village of Jordans or stretch out on the lawn and soak up the sun before the evening gets underway.

Sunday

Today we venture out from the riverside town of Marlow for a leisurely walk along the Thames Path and Shakespeare’s Way, with a lunchtime pub stop at Hendon.

This section of the Thames Path is arguably the most beautiful of the Thames Valley. The route gently meanders along the side of the river with views across to the wooded slopes of Winter Hill.

At Cookham it then passes through the National Trust’s Cock Marsh, a lowland wetland site that is an important breeding ground for wading birds.

Good to know:

We will be staying at YHA Jordans, please note that accommodation is offered on a single sex shared room basis.

Venue Address:

YHA Jordans
Welders Lane
Jordans
Beaconsfield
Buckinghamshire
HP9 2SN

Travel by Train:

We will be running a free shuttle from Seer Green station which is just 30 minutes from Marylebone.

The shuttle will leave at 7pm on Friday and return you back to the station after Sunday’s walk.

Alternatively, the YHA is also just five miles from Amersham Underground Station so you could pop on a tube and take a taxi to Jordans.

If you would like to take the shuttle option, please let us know at least 7 days before the event starts by booking this online.

What’s Included:

2 nights hostel accommodation.

2 days of guided day walks – please note any excursions or other extra activities may incur an additional charge.

Welcome meal on the Friday plus Saturday night evening meal. Breakfast on Saturday and Sunday and then a packed lunch for Saturday.

As well as meals, we also provide a variety of complimentary soft drinks and beverages – tea & coffee which includes herbal, fruit and decaffeinated options and fruit squashes.

The Basics:

Age Limit: You must be over 18 to attend this trip, there is no upper age limit.

Dogs: I am afraid dogs are not allowed on this trip, unless they are registered assistance dogs.

Arrival Time: You are welcome to arrive any time from 5pm onwards and settle in before we serve an evening meal at about 8pm. Please let us know if you intend arriving after 10pm.

Solo Travellers: This trip is perfect for solo travellers and although couples and small groups of friends are always welcome the majority of people do attend on their own.

Rooms:This venue has a mix of 4 – 6 bedded rooms and we only ever offer these on a same sex basis. Please note bedding is provided but you will need to bring a towel.

Alcoholic Drinks:We do not supply any alcohol for this trip but you are welcome to bring your own drinks to enjoy over the weekend.

We will always supply a vegetarian or vegan meal, however due to the remote locations of our venues these must be booked at least 7 days in advance.

Diets

Unfortunately, we are unable to cater for a wide variety of diets. Therefore, if you follow a particular diet and wish to know what we will be serving please contact the office the week before your trip. If you don’t feel the menu is suitable then you are of course welcome to bring your own meals.

Allergies, Intolerances & Gluten Free.

Please ensure you list any allergies and intolerances clearly during the booking process, with notice we are able to offer gluten free meals and can accommodate most allergies. However, please note that due to the shared nature of the kitchens we cannot eliminate the possibility of cross contamination. If you have any questions, then please contact the office.

Halal or Kosher:

We are unable to offer Halal or Kosher meals but will be happy to supply a vegetarian alternative, please ensure you request this when booking.

Simply complete the dietary section during the booking process or if your dietary needs have changed email the office and we will update your records.

Ticket and Room Types:

Shared Room: This is our standard ticket ideal for solo travellers, individuals and small groups of friends, we will place you in a suitable same sex room, sharing with others. This will vary on the venue and can be twin rooms up to dorm style rooms on our hostel-based trips.

If you make one booking for a group of people, we will do our best to accommodate you all in one room. However, if you and your friends have made a series of separate bookings but wish to be together, simply email us with a group list.

Private Rooms: Whenever possible we will always offer any single or twin / double rooms as available. Please note single rooms are very popular and sell out quickly. Private twin rooms will have two single beds / bunk and a double room will have a double bed.

Early Bird: On some trips we offer discounted early bird tickets, these tickets are based in our standard shared rooms and include the same meals, walks etc as our standard tickets. You can view our full list of Early Bird Tickets here…

Deposits: You can secure your place on this trip with a 50% deposit, the balance is due no less than 12 weeks before you travel. Failure to pay your balance on time could result in you losing your deposit and place on this trip. If the trip is within the next 12 weeks you will need to pay in full to secure your place.

What our members have to say...

“I didn’t really know what to expect on my first ever walking holiday and wasn’t very prepared if truth be known – lesson to all read the essential kit list especially waterproofs! It was great fun and what a lovely group of supportive and encouraging people, especially Gareth who did a great job looking after us all. I must admit at times I found it a bit challenging but what a great sense of achievement when we reached the top of the mountains (hills) I will definitely do this again.

Elizabeth

Member Since 2016

Well, for a non-walker it was certainly challenging but my word was it exhilarating! The feeling of achievement after every day, was just fabulous. The group we went with were all strangers on day one, but firm friends by the end of the week. The comradery on some of the tougher walks, helped me to the top…..and wow what views. Anyone thinking of doing it - don’t worry….just go for it!

Claire

Member Since 2016

My first Large Outdoors and (Ulster & the Giant's Causeway Walking Weekend) Irish experience was absolutely fantastic. Everything was organised perfectly and Gareth is a joy to be around. I loved every minute and will definitely book myself onto another trip. #toldallmyfriendstheyhavetocome